MPE Journal - Mississippi Professional Educators

MPE Journal
www.mpe.org
89 Years in Education:
MPE’s New President
Rhonda Travis with her
Mother and Grandmother
Spring/Summer 2009 - Vol. 21, No.1
MPE’s 30th Annual
Convention Highlights
2009 Graduate and
Undergraduate
Scholarship Winners
www.mpe.org PAGE 1
MPE 2009 - 2010 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Rhonda Travis
2160 Glen Carter Rd.
Magnolia, MS 39652-9309
601-542-5671
trav4wrmj@yahoo.com
President-elect
Secretary-Treasurer
Dr. Barry Morris
William Carey University
498 Tuscan Ave., Box 3
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
601-318-6587
barry.morris@wmcarey.edu
District 1
District 2
Candace T. Moore, Ph.D.
1116 CR 174
Guntown, MS 38849
662-767-0135
candace.moore@leecountyschools.us
Sunnie Barkley
6460 Northwood Cove
Olive Branch, MS 38654
662-895-3446
sunnie.barkley@desotocountyschools.org
District 5
District 6
Community College
Retirees
Lia Landrum
57 Hoskins Creek Road
Ellisville, MS 39437
601-477-3835
lialandrum@hotmail.com
Dr. Benny J. Hornsby
62 Shady Lane
Hattiesburg, MS 39402
601-408-4608
bhornsby@prcc.edu
Donna Robbins
1002 Cedar Hill Drive
Clinton, MS 39056
601-925-0089
drobbins@clinton.k12.ms.us
Dianne Sellers
218 Woodland Hills Dr.
Quitman, MS 39355-8664
601-776-3207
Dianne3207@bellsouth.net
District 3
District 4
District 7
District 8
Rep.-at-large
University
Angela Towers
512 Magnolia Ave.
Pace, MS 38764
662-723-6110
atowers@cleveland.k12.ms.us
Paul Christian Graves
P.O. Box 28
Tylertown, MS 39667
601-222-0826
cgraves@wcsd.k12.ms.us
Deedre’ Walsh Coll
112 Elm Ave.
Hattiesburg, MS 39402
601-297-7220
Deedre.Coll@lamarcountyschools.org
Philene Allen
405 S. First Ave
Cleveland, MS 38732
662-588-9011
phileneallen@bellsouth.net
Past-President
Sonya Swafford
218 N. Bolivar Ave.
Cleveland, MS 38732
662-402-6885
sonswaf@yahoo.com
Executive
Director
Judy Rhodes
554 S. Deerfield Dr.
Canton, MS 39046
(C) 601-927-8280
judy@mpe.org
Amy Ellis
1366 Oakwood Drive
Starkville, MS 39759
662-324-0067
aellis@starkville.k12.ms.us
Nykela Jackson, Ph.D.
79 Cedar Grove Road
Petal, MS 39465
601-575-6555
nykela.jackson@gmail.com
Dr. Levenia Maxwell-Barnes
510 Highway 3
Moorhead, MS 38791
(H)662-246-5807
lbarnes@deltastate.edu
Contact MPE Office Personnel
Judy Rhodes (Executive Director)...........................................................................judy@mpe.org
Kelly Riley (Deputy Director)..................................................................................kelly@mpe.org
Stephanie Miller...............................................................................................stephanie@mpe.org
Betsie Moore.....................................................................................................elizabeth@mpe.org
Deeanna Hall.....................................................................................................deeanna@mpe.org
toll free: 800-523-0269
local: 601-355-5517
fax: 601-355-5519
629 N. Jefferson Street
P.O. Box 22550
Jackson, MS 39225-2550
MPE Area Directors
Baird, Bobby
192 Baird Road
Batesville, MS 38606-8343
Phone: 662-563-8207
E-mail:geneva@watervalley.net
Livingston, Randal
247 Livingston Road
Louisville, MS 39339
662-773-2577
Cell:662-803-8393
E-mail: Jolivingston@hotmail.com
Sills, Billy D.
P.O. Box 53
New Hebron, MS 39140
Phone 601-694-2121
1-877-574-2136
E-mail: bdsills@ftcweb.net
Bryant, Teresa
141 St. Francis Street
Biloxi, MS 39530
Phone: 228-432-8336
E-mail: tbbryant@cableone.net
Lowe, Jessica Dori
2594 Old Hwy 27 N.
Monticello, MS 39654
601-455-9351
E-mail: lowelowe4@aol.com
Stringer, JC
43 Pine Lane
Jayess, MS 39641
601-876-6314
Cell:601-810-0273
E-mail: stringerjc@yahoo.com
Calhoun, Serena
19 Sylwood Place
Jackson, MS 39209
Phone: 601-366-4378
Cell: 601-540-1499
E-mail: serenacalhoun@aol.com
Pair, James
10110 Sandalwood Lane
Philadelphia, MS 39350
Phone: 601-656-9155
E-mail: jpair@mississippi.net
PAGE 2 MPE Journal - Spring/Summer 2009
Shirley, Dennis
3000 Patrick Drive
Corinth, MS 38834
662-287-6715
E-mail: dennis_shirley@comcast.net
Mississippi
Professional
Educators
MPE Journal
Executive Director
Judy Rhodes
All articles not otherwise signed are staff written. Permission to reproduce material
appearing in MPE Journal must be obtained from MPE headquarters. The Mississippi
Professional Educators assumes no responsibility for the opinions or points of view
expressed by contributors to MPE Journal unless statements have been authorized by
action of the Association. MPE endorses no item or service other than those under the
auspices of the Association. MPE Journal is a trademark of MPE.
MPE Journal is published three times annually by the Mississippi Professional Educators,
Judy Rhodes, Publisher.
Cover Stories
In Every Issue
Features
MPE’s New President
Past President’s Message
2009 Teachers of the Year
President’s message from the new
MPE President, Rhonda Travis
Dianne Sellers
MPE congratulates MPE members
awarded Teacher of the Year.
Page 4
2009 Graduate
Scholarship Winners
Page 8
Page 5
Message from the
Executive Director
Page 6
Judy Rhodes
Page 9
Make the World a Better
Place: Inspire Others with
Teaching
Page 10
Five graduate scholarships in the
amount of $1000 are awarded
to members of MPE.
Member Spotlight
Annual Convention
Mississippi Department of
Education News
Page 11
Community College News
Page 14
Page 12
MPE’s 30th Annual Convention
was held at the Hilton in Jackson. Dr. Richard Long with the
International Reading Association
discussed “Response to Intervention (RTI).”
2009 Undergraduate
Scholarship Winners
Page 7
Page 17
Page 19
Mississippi Institutions of
Higher Learning News
Page 21
MPE Welcomes New Board
Members
2009-2010
Board of Directors
Legislative Update
Page 15
Protecting Our Most
Valuable Resources
Page 16
Page 18
MPE congratulates our student
members who received a $500
scholarship.
Mel Buckley Scholarship
Awarded
Page 20
www.mpe.org PAGE 3
Message From the President
Rhonda Travis
What an exciting time to be a MPE member! This year we celebrate out 30th year. I consider myself lucky
to not only be a member of MPE during this time, but its president. Like me, I am sure you are very grateful
to our founders for their foresight, courage, and determination in bringing MPE into existence. I wonder if
Linda Anglin and her group ever thought MPE would reach the numbers and milestones we have reached? I
am thankful for their vision.
We had a great convention this year. Thank you Judy and Staff for putting so much into it and doing another
great job. Dr. Richard Long gave us some very good information about Response to Intervention. I know some
of us cringe when we hear RTI, but it is here to stay, and nothing to be scared of. As professional Mississippi
teachers, we have been carrying out RTI for years, we just may not have called it that. Our top priority has
always been the success of the student, and as professional educators, we know how to differentiate, adapt,
and tailor to different learning styles and needs. If you visit the MPE website, it contains links to useful websites
about RTI and to Dr. Long’s website.
Speaking of the website, do you visit it often? It really does have much useful information. This is a great
tool for us as members to use when discussing MPE with other educators. The website provides easy access to
view membership questions or information, and it makes signing up a breeze. Let’s use the website this year
as we fulfill our goal of 10,000 by 2010. If every member recruits 10 more, imagine what our numbers will
be! Please remember to include your support staff. Those assistants and bus drivers need MPE too. Ask your
area director to include a day at the transportation department during the time your area is visited.
I cannot tell you how much pride I feel when I get to tell others that I am affiliated with MPE because it is such
a positive organization, and full of true professionals. As we begin this year together, I hope you are looking
forward to it as much as I am.
FROM THE COVER:
MPE President Rhonda Travis continues a family tradition of educators and MPE members. Her mother Billie
Burt (seated left) retired after teaching elementary school for 30 years. Rhonda’s grandmother, Dr. Jeanne
Williams (seated right), retired after teaching college English for 38 years. Rhonda has taught French and
English for 21 years. Together, the three have impacted students’ lives for 89 years. What a wonderful
legacy!
PAGE 4 MPE Journal - Spring/Summer 2009
Message from the Past President
Dianne Sellers
Let me first say that it was an honor to serve you as president this past year. I turned the role over to Rhonda
Travis with pride in our accomplishments in various areas. We succeeded in many avenues because of the hard
work of so many people. If you served on a committee, I would like to thank you for your time and effort.
Many thanks to Becky Fields, Debroah Roane, Amy Prisock, and Dennis Silas for serving on the board. Their
dedication is appreciated by the board and members.
In case you missed the news, this year is our 30th anniversary. Three of our founding members were present at
the annual convention. Those three were Linda Anglin, Jim Brewer, and Jo Anne Abernathy. Surely our growth
and commitment made them proud! It was also great to see Jerome Smith and Mel Buckley representing past
executive directors at the dinner.
When school is in session again, your help with membership drive is very vital to our growth. If you aren't a
building representative and would like to help distribute materials, please contact the office. Recruit five new
members and receive a free membership for the next year. What a great savings!
Lastly, I would like to commend the office staff for their commitment to our organization. Without their expertise and dedication, we could not prosper. The work of Judy, Kelly, Stephanie, Betsie and Deeanna is very
much appreciated.
Thank you again for letting me serve you for a year. It was truly a blessing. Have a restful and safe summer
break.
Visit our website at www.mpe.org
• Update your membership profile
• Join or Renew your membership
• Receive current BENEFITS INFORMATION
• Access our educational resources & Professional Development PAGE
*Look for email announcements soon regarding MPE’s partnership with JBHM Education
Group to provide professional development services throughout Mississippi.
www.mpe.org PAGE 5
(Bogue Chitto High School students Britney Saucier and Blake Sasser concentrate on pipetting)
Message From the Executive Director
Judy Rhodes
Did you know as a member of MPE, you are a member of the fastest growing
and most respected educational professional association in Mississippi? Through the
leadership of your board, and with your help as members, our membership has
grown over 30% in the last 3 years. There is absolutely no question we are the
largest in the state with over 8,500 members. Most organizations are struggling
especially with the current economic situation. I assure you we will continue to offer
the best service and benefits at the most reasonable cost. With our dues being only
$120 per year, the cost of our membership is less then one-third of other organizations. And do not forget,
we offer $2 million in liability coverage, while other organizations only offer $1 million. As an educator in our
current society, it is critical to have the professional liability coverage. Please continue to encourage your nonmember co-workers to join our family.
Your board is made up of 16 members statewide who give of their time to help us move forward. Members
serve 3-year terms and rotate off periodically. As a part of the annual business meeting held during our annual convention, board members who have served their time rotate off, and new members are nominated and
elected to join the board. Members who completed their service this year were Becky Fields, Madison County
School District; Deborah Roane, Calhoun County School District; Amy Prisock, Mississippi State University; and
Dennis Silas, formerly Drew School District Superintendent and now retired. These folks have done a great
job and I want to personally thank them.
A special welcome goes to our new board members. Sunnie Barkley, principal of Olive Branch Elementary, will
represent District 2. District 3 will be represented by Angela Towers, principal of Cypress Park Elementary in
Cleveland. Amy Ellis, our District 4 representative, teaches at Sudduth Elementary in Starkville. Donna Robbins, first grade teacher at Clinton Park Elementary in Clinton, will represent District 6.
As we start another membership year, we as staff members and your “incoming” board will work hard to
continue to enhance services, with no increase in dues. This past year we were able to implement our new
graduate level scholarship program for 5 deserving members. For those that applied and were not successful,
please try again next year. While it is wonderful to be able to help 5 members, it is difficult to turn down any
applicant. As we grow, hopefully we can expand this program to assist more deserving members. We are
working on new “legal assistance” policies, and thanks to a change in the current law we requested, we will be
able to enhance this service to you as members in the coming year, and hopefully, provide this service direct,
to reduce cost. Additionally, we have increased our involvement in recognition programs such as “Teacher of
the Year” and “STAR Teacher” (Student-Teacher Achievement Recognition). Please assist us in identifying new
ways we can positively promote teaching as a career, and ways we can show our support and appreciation
for your hard work and dedication.
We are also working on a cooperative agreement with the JBHM Education group to jointly coordinate and
provide short-term staff development sessions beginning this summer and fall. Please watch your weekly
emails for information regarding these opportunities. Please let us know your suggestions and ideas.
To start receiving weekly emails from the Executive Director, email judy@mpe.org
PAGE 6 MPE Journal - Spring/Summer 2009
Member Spotlight
MPE Members Develop “Muse of Fire”
Two MPE members are playing a critical role in the
development of a new biology curriculum centered
on that persistent Southern pest – the fire ant. Kathy
McKone is a veteran high school biology teacher at
Bogue Chitto High School and has been a member of
MPE since 2007. Susan Bender, a MPE member since
2004, is lead teacher for Jim Hill High School’s Student Oriented Academic Research Program (SOAR).
Kathy and Susan are two of five Mississippi high
school teachers working with research scientists from
the University of Mississippi Medical Center and the
Marine Biological Laboratory in Maine to develop
the “Muse of Fire” biology curriculum. The content
will allow students to learn about subjects ranging
from molecular biology and environmental sciences
to toxicology and human health. The Howard Hughes
Medical Institute (HHMI) is supporting development of
the curriculum and
Millsaps College is
also involved.
Teachers and scientists met in the
summer of 2008 to
develop the coursework and a variety of experiments.
Then each teacher
(Bogue Chitto High School students tested one part of
Britney Saucier and Blake Sasser concentrate on pipetting.)
the curriculum with
their students to
make sure the lessons engaged students and moved
students beyond fire ants to wider biology concepts.
Kathy incorporated the work this past fall into Bogue
Chitto High School’s first biomedical research course.
Susan presented her fire ant epidemiology case studies at the National Science Teachers Association’s National Conference in New Orleans this past March.
The team will finalize the curriculum this summer and
make it available to teachers wherever fire ants are
found.
Recruitment Recognitions
MPE would like to recognize the following members
who have recruited 15 or more new members in the
last two quarters.
Dr. Levenia Maxwell-Barnes, the University
representative for the MPE Board of Directors, and
Delta State University faculty member, recruited 24
new student teachers this past quarter. Dr. Barnes
earned $120 and a free membership for next year.
She has been a member of MPE since 2003. Alice
Morrison, a principal at McLaurin Elementary in
the Natchez-Adams School District, recruited 15 new
members, earning $135 and a free year’s membership. Ms. Morrison joined MPE in June of 2008. DR.
Barry Morris, chair of the Department of Education at William Carey University, recruited both student teachers and professors for a total of 15 new
members. He earned a year’s membership free, as
well as a check in the amount of $70. Dr. Morris has
been a member of MPE since 2005 and currently
serves as an officer on the MPE Board of Directors.
Mary Hill Shular from West Lauderdale Middle
School in the Lauderdale County School District recruited 15 new members earning her a free membership and a check for $135. Ms. Hill has been a
member of MPE since 2007.
Cox Leads MASS
Dr. Ben Cox, superintendent of the North Pike Consolidated School District and a member of MPE since
1992, is leading the Mississippi Association of School
Superintendents (MASS) as the association’s 20082009 President. He was elected by the MASS membership in 2008 to this position. MASS is a non-profit
association whose membership is made up of 150 of
the 152 public school superintendents across the state
of Mississippi. Congratulations, Dr. Cox.
www.mpe.org PAGE 7
2009 GRADUATE sCHOLARSHIP wINNERS
MPE congratulates the following recipients of the 2009 MPE Graduate Scholarship Award.
Each member received a scholarship in the amount of $1000.
Dawn Dawkins teaches 2nd – 4th grade gifted students at Cook Elementary
in Columbus. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from
Mississippi State University and her Master of Education in Gifted Studies from
Mississippi University for Women. Dawn received her National Board Certification as a Middle Childhood Generalist in 2000. She joined MPE in 2001. Dawn is
working on her Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Mississippi State
University.
Emily Vicki Kibodeaux is a Curriculum Specialist with the Hattiesburg Pub-
lic School District. She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University
of Southern Mississippi. She received her National Board Certification as an Early
Adolescent Generalist in 1999. Vicki joined MPE in 1991. She is working towards
her doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Stacy Necaise teaches Spanish I, II and III at Hancock High School. She earned
her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from the University of Southern Mississippi. Stacy is
a member of the Association of American Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese, as
well as the Mississippi Foreign Language Association. Stacy joined MPE in 2002.
She is working towards her graduate degree in school counseling at the University
of Southern Mississippi.
Loria Newsome is a sixth grade teacher at Glade Elementary in Jones County. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University
of Southern Mississippi and her Master of Education in Elementary Education from
William Carey University. She is a member of the Mississippi Reading Association
and the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics. Loria joined MPE in 2007.
She is in the Educational Leadership Program at Mississippi State University.
Jason Ross is a mathematics instructor at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community
College. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education and his Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Southern Mississippi. Jason is President-Elect of the Mississippi Council of Teachers of Mathematics
and serves as a faculty representative on MGCCC’s SACS Leadership Team. He
joined MPE in 2008. Jason is enrolled in the University of Southern Mississippi’s
doctorate program in Higher Education Administration.
PAGE 8 MPE Journal - Spring/Summer 2009
2009 Teachers of the Year
MPE is proud to congratulate and honor the following members who were named their
respective district’s 2009 Teacher of the Year. MPE sponsored a breakfast for all
district Teachers of the Year during their annual conference and also provided each
teacher with a certificate of recognition.
MPE Member
Willie Agee
Benjamin Bowlin
Mitzi Burns
Jan Goldman
Angela Goode
Amanda Holder
Wendy Huffman
Lacey Hutchinson
Nancy Jay
James Luke
Melissa Martin
Jennifer Mathis
Annette McBryde
Rebecca McCraw
Marquita McCullum
Sandra McKenzie
Vickie Moseley
Darrinda Nicholson
Kerri Peden
Wendy Pilgrim
Shelley Putnam
Lisa Seale
Shelia Sewell
Dr. Deborah Sherman
Donna Suddith
Ginger Tedder
Denise Touchstone
Nicholas Wages
Ruby Wallace
School District
Covington County
Tate County
Jefferson Davis County
Neshoba County
Marshall County
Drew
Chickasaw County
Smith County
North Pike Consolidated
Philadelphia Public
Choctaw County
George County
South Tippah
Lowndes County
Laurel
South Pike
Quitman
Wayne County
Coahoma County
Kemper County
Columbia
Scott County
Natchez-Adams Public
South Panola
Jones County
Starkville
Lamar County
Jackson County
Yazoo City Municipal
www.mpe.org PAGE 9
Make the World a Better Place: Inspire Others with Teaching
Written by Dr. Stacy Reeves and Dr. Barbara “Pokey” Stanford
Do you want to make the world better? Inspire others
with your teaching!
As we talk and work with teachers across our great
state, and we hear about the personal and group conflicts in trying to make sense of testing and accountability, we can become discouraged about why we have
chosen this great profession. We see teachers who feel
called to reach out beyond themselves, those who are
dedicated and focused on teaching the “least of these”.
And we also become disheartened and disappointed in
the emphasis placed on testing at the cost of creative
teaching and students who are excited about learning.
Eventually we remember that we are in the one profession that makes every other profession possible. At this
point we pull out our “pep” talk and give it to these
downcast teachers. All of us should remember why we
became teachers, and for Stacy and me, it was because
we wanted to change the world and to make it a better
place by helping children. We would like to encourage
you to remember why you became a teacher and to
proudly enter your classroom as someone inspired and
convinced that you have the power to make the world,
your world, better.
“The important thing is not so much that every child
should be taught, as that every child should be given
the wish to learn.” Sir John Lubbock, British
Archeologist
“A child’s life is like a piece of paper on which everyone
who passes by leaves an impression.” Chinese Proverb
“When I approach a child, he inspires me in two sentiments: tenderness for what he is, and respect for what
he may become.” Louis Pasteur, French Chemist
“Children are our most valuable and natural resource.”
Herbert Hoover, US President
“Invest in a human soul. Who knows? It may be a diamond in the rough.” Mary McLeod Bethune, US Educator
“Adults are obsolete children.” Dr. Seuss, US Writer
“Children need models…not critics.” Joseph Joubert,
French Philosopher
“Don’t worry that children never listen to you. Worry
that they are always watching you.” Robert Fulghum,
US Writer
Let the following quotes from famous individuals inspire
“In short, the habits we form from childhood make no
you to change your world for the better.
small difference, but rather they make all the difference.” Aristotle, Greek Philosopher
“The solution to adult problems tomorrow depends on
large measure how our children grow up today.”
“Live so that when your students think of fairness and
Margaret Mead, US Anthropologist
integrity, they think of you.” H. Jackson Brown, Jr.,
US Writer
“Children are the only future of any people.”
Frances Cress Welsing, US Psychiatrist
Dr. Stacy Reeves served on the MPE Board of Directors
“We shall never know all the good that a simple smile from 2002-2008 and was MPE’s President from 2006can do.” Mother Teresa, Missionary
2007. Currently, she and Dr. Barbara “Pokey” Stanford
are Associate Professors, Department of Curriculum, In“…the best and most beautiful things in the world cannot struction, and Special Education at the University of
be seen nor even touched, but simply felt in the heart.” Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg.
Helen Keller, US writer
PAGE 10 MPE Journal - Spring/Summer 2009
MPE welcomes new members to our
Board of Directors
Sunnie Barkley (District 2)
Sunnie has served as the principal of Olive Branch Elementary School since 1997.
She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Education and her Master of Education
from Memphis State University. She received her Specialist in Education from the
University of Mississippi. She is a past president of the Mississippi Association of
Elementary School Administrators. Sunnie joined MPE in 1992 and serves as a MPE
Building Representative
Angela Towers (District 3)
Angela has served as the principal of Cypress Park Elementary in Cleveland since
2006. Her classroom experience includes teaching English, creative writing and
social studies. Angela earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, her
Master of Education in Educational Leadership and her Educational Specialist in
Administration and Supervision degrees from Delta State University. Angela was
named Teacher of the Year for the Cleveland School District in 2003. She joined
MPE in 2000.
Amy Ellis (District 4)
Amy has taught first grade in the Starkville School District since 1993. She earned
both her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and her Master of Science in
Elementary Education from Mississippi State University. Amy received her National
Board Certification as an Early Childhood Generalist in 1999. She has served as
vice president of the Mississippi Council of Teachers of Mathematics since 2006.
Amy joined MPE in 2005.
Donna Robbins (District 6)
Donna is in her 14th year at Clinton Park Elementary School where she teaches first
grade. She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and her
Master of Science in Elementary Education from Mississippi College. Donna received
her National Board Certification as an Early Childhood Generalist in 2001. She has
served as a MPE Building Representative for the past 1 ½ years. Donna is a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and joined MPE in 1988.
www.mpe.org PAGE 11
30th Annual Mpe Convention
Pictures by Barbara Guant & MPE Staff
PAGE 12 MPE Journal - Spring/Summer 2009
April 4, 2009
The 30th annual convention for the Mississippi Professional Educators was held at the Jackson Hilton on Saturday, April 4th. Dr. Richard Long from the International Reading Association delivered an energetic lecture
regarding “Response to Intervention (RTI).” Approximately 225 members attended the convention making
it one of our most sucessful years ever! As always, MPE
members enjoyed learning from and visiting with each
other. Visit our website to view the 2009 convention
photo gallery at www.mpe.org.
www.mpe.org PAGE 13
2009-2010 Board of Directors
From back left: Donna Robbins, Christian Graves, Levenia Maxwell-Barnes, Rhonda Travis, Barry Morris,
Sonja Swafford, Benny Hornsby, Deedre’ Coll, Dianne Sellers Front from left: Candace Moore, Nykela
Jackson, Philene Allen, Angela Towers, Amy Ellis (Not pictured: Sunnie Barkley & Lia Landrum)
PAGE 14 MPE Journal - Spring/Summer 2009
LEGISLATIVE uPDATE
2009 Legislative Session Highlights
HB 877 requires a candidate for a local school
board to receive a majority of the vote in order to be
declared elected. The bill also requires a runoff election three weeks after the general election between the
two candidates receiving the most votes if neither receives a majority. (Signed by Governor on March 30th.)
SB 2314 gives local school districts greater flexibility to provide voluntary early childhood classes in
their districts by authorizing districts to use any available funds to operate voluntary early childhood programs. (Signed by Governor on March 9th.)
SB 2770 requires local school districts to provide in-service training on suicide prevention education
for all licensed teachers and principals. The bill also
requires, beginning in the 2009-10 school year, that inservice training include an emphasis on intensive, comprehensive and research-based reading methods for all
licensed teachers in grades K-3. (Signed by Governor
on April 13th.)
SB 3085 exempts the legal services supplied by
professional education associations such as MPE to their
members from being categorized as “prepaid legal services.” MPE requested that this bill be introduced. This
change will allow MPE to contract directly with attorneys, thus allowing us to enhance legal services for our
members. This does not impact members’ professional
liability protection in any manner. (Signed by Governor
on March 16th.)
SB 2628, the Children First Act of 2009, strengthens the Department of Education’s ability to intervene
quickly when schools are struggling. The Board of Education may remove superintendents and school board
members when districts have not met certain benchmarks
for two consecutive school years. The legislation also
requires athletes above the sixth grade to maintain at
least a 2.0 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale. School
districts must publish an annual report in a local newspaper and on their web sites. The legislation establishes
the Mississippi Recovery School District within the MDE
to provide leadership, management and oversight of all
school districts under state conservatorship. SB 2628
also provides that the Education Employment Procedures
Law shall not apply to employees in districts where the
Governor has declared a state of emergency. (Signed
by Governor on April 8th.)
The 2009 Legislative Session was scheduled to end April
4th, but the Legislature recessed early on April 1st without passing a budget. Legislators are planning to return
in May or June once they have received detailed information regarding the federal stimulus package and how
it will impact the fiscal year 2010 budget.
HB 1677 fully funds the MAEP for fiscal year
2010. The Senate amended the bill to fully fund MAEP
by using a combination of state funds and federal stimulus package funds. Both the House and Senate versions
of the bill contain funding for the second half of the
increase to the annual years of experience increments.
The House version contains $7 million for classroom supplies, while the Senate version contains $13 million.
(NOTE: HB 1677 is not final. There is a House version
and a Senate version. This appropriation bill will not
be finalized until the Legislature returns to discuss budget issues.)
www.mpe.org PAGE 15
2009 Undergraduate Scholarship Winners
Caitlin Babb
Mississippi State
University
Erica Gillie
William Carey
University
Benny Campbell
Mississippi Valley
State University
Heather Lambert
University of
Mississippi
Carlie Edwards
Belhaven
College
Melissa Panks
University of
Southern MS
Louis Felter
Alcorn State
University
Abby Red
Delta State
University
MPE congratulates recipents of the
2009 Undergraduate Scholarship
Award. Each student member received
a check in the amount of $500.
Kimberly Sampson
Millsaps
College
PAGE 16 MPE Journal - Spring/Summer 2009
Rachel Townsend
Mississippi
College
Mississippi Department of Education
Dr. Hank M. Bounds
State Superintendant of Education
The most important tool in ensuring our boys and girls’
success in the classroom is having a good quality teacher. Teachers devote their lives to giving their students
the best education possible. I know that you cannot do
it alone. This is why the Mississippi Board of Education
and I are committed to providing the necessary tools
and resources to help you become more successful in the
classroom, which will prepare our kids to have a better
opportunity in life.
I had the privilege to personally recognize teachers
from across the State that were selected Teacher of the
Year from their districts. All teachers cannot receive this
honor at the same time but you all are making an enormous difference in the lives of so many students. I commend you for the time, effort and commitment that you
bring to the classroom each and every day to ensure
that our boys and girls are prepared to lead the next
generation.
This generation of students will face stiff competition for
career and college opportunities when they graduate.
Now, more than ever, it is essential that the education
we provide them today prepares them to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
That is why more rigorous curriculum and testing have
been implemented to reflect national standards and I
am confident that students who participated in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) test
this year were better prepared.
This year has seen several changes in Mississippi’s education system. One of the most significant changes was
the Mississippi Board of Education’s approval of a new
accountability rating system. Matched with a more rigorous curriculum, the new rating system will accurately
measure our schools and districts academic achievement. The end goal is to make sure that students are
growing and graduating.
The passage of the Children First Act of 2009 (CFA)
was another milestone in advancing Mississippi’s education system well into the 21st century. In an effort to
help underperforming schools, this law centers on holding school leaders more accountable both academically
and financially.
CFA also provides for the removal of superintendents
and school board members when a school district has
been considered “failing” for two consecutive school
years. It also creates the Mississippi Recovery School
District to govern school districts that have been taken
over by the state and requires school districts that are
designated as “failing” to establish a P-16 Council that
includes representatives from the school, business and
local community.
I hope that you have a great summer and thank you for
all that you do for your school, the State of Mississippi
and, most importantly, for the boys and girls in your
community.
www.mpe.org PAGE 17
Protecting Our Most Valuable Resources
Dr. Joel Lofton
Education Security Liaison,
MS Office of Homeland Security
Following the tragedy of Virginia
Tech in 2007, the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security (www.
homelandsecurity.ms.gov)
initiated a program designed to address the genuine threat of active
shooters in public settings. Defined, an active shooting is when
one or more persons participate
in a shooting spree with the sole
intent to harm or kill others, rather than commit some other crime.
While thoughts of Virginia Tech
and Columbine may come to mind
when such incidents are mentioned, Mississippians have experienced numerous active shooter
situations first-hand. The tragedy
at Pearl High School is likely the
most notorious incident, but workplace shootings have occurred in
numerous locations, including a
Fire Station and an engineering
firm in Jackson, Lockheed-Martin
in Meridian, Northrop-Grumman
in Pascagoula and Regions Bank
in McComb.
These incidents,
combined with over forty school
shootings resulting in more than
100 deaths nationwide in the past
dozen years, strongly indicate the
need for increased preparedness
and vigilance.
The Mississippi Office of Homeland Security (MOHS) has coordinated and funded the adoption
and implementation of a standard, sensible, statewide active
shooter training program for all
levels of law enforcement called
MS Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid
Response Training (MS ALERRT). The
adoption process has been a collaborative effort of local and state law enforcement agencies and education entities. By
establishing a single training program
adopted by all law enforcement training
academies and recognized by the Mississippi Board of Law Enforcement Officers
Standards and Training, Mississippi has
become a national leader in protecting
its most valuable resource, the citizen. Active Shooter training affords all law enforcement responders the means to efficiently and effectively respond to a wide
range of situations in locations including
schools, courthouses, churches and factories. Standardization of active shooter
training increases safety for citizens and
officers, effectiveness of response to critical situations and interoperability among
law enforcement bodies.
The Mississippi Office of Homeland Security offers this program free of charge
as outreach training to all law enforcement agencies throughout the state. This
sixteen-hour course is provided in any
jurisdiction that provides a venue and
at least twenty participants. Though the
training is restricted to law enforcement,
approximately seventy of the eighty
classes conducted in the first six months
of training were carried out in operating
schools. MS ALERRT is a major shift from
traditional law enforcement training and
calls for the first responding officers to act
immediately and decisively to neutralize
a threat. The course of instruction is a
combination of classroom instruction presented through lecture, audio/visual and
PAGE 18 MPE Journal - Spring/Summer 2009
printed media, tactical drills and
full scale force-on-force scenarios.
Although schools and law enforcement agencies are encouraged to
publicize THAT they are training,
sponsors and participants are
strictly prohibited from revealing specifically WHAT is taught.
Widespread public knowledge
of a well prepared response
force may be achieved without
revealing detailed tactics or skill
sets and may serve to deter such
violent acts.
Though the MS ALERRT program
is law enforcement specific, site
administrators may wish to contact their local Police Chief or
Sheriff and request that agencies
train in their schools. Training Law
Enforcement Officers in the facilities to which they are likely to respond is of tremendous benefit to
all involved.
The MS Office of Homeland Security and the Mississippi Department of Education, Office of
Safe and Orderly Schools are
close partners in this important
preparedness initiative. If you
would like additional information regarding the MS ALERRT
Program or would like to find out
how you might arrange to have
law enforcement train in your
school, please contact MS ALERRT
at
msalerrt@mdps.state.ms.us
or Dr. Joel Lofton at jlofton@
mdps.state.ms.us . Likewise, Don
Criswell in the MDE Office of Safe
and Orderly Schools may be contacted to arrange MS ALERRT
and/or provide non-law enforcement training, guidelines and suggested protocols for active threats
at dcriswell@mde.k12.ms.us.
Community College News
Dr. Eric Clark
SBCJC Executive Director
As with most state agencies, we are trying to gage how
the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) will
impact community colleges. Thus far, we have identified several areas of the stimulus package which could
affect our system. Some of the funds appear to go
towards restoration of the FY 09 budget cuts the colleges have received, increases in student Pell Grants,
additional workforce funds, and money for repair and
Although preliminary, these figures provide a very tell- renovation to existing facilities on campus. This money
ing story. Mississippians realize community colleges can will go a long way towards helping community colleges.
lead to a better life. Our colleges offer a tremendous
value for someone looking to earn a degree, transition The legislative session recessed with few bills having
to a four-year institution, or improve their workforce a direct impact on the community colleges. S.B. 3083,
training. Not only are classes affordable, they are also signed by the Governor, gives the State Board for Comreadily available with college branches spread out munity and Junior Colleges land to build our own headquarters at the Education and Research Park in Jackacross the entire state.
son. H.B. 1722, the state’s bond bill, gives $2 million for
Last year, our community colleges helped educate and preplanning of the SBCJC headquarters. The bill also
train approximately 274,000 Mississippians. While the allocates $7.2 million to be distributed to the colleges
colleges provide a tremendous service to the state, often for repair and renovation to campus facilities. Both the
times they do so with limited resources. Since FY 2000, House and Senate passed the bond bill, and we are
state support per credit student at community colleges waiting for the Governor to sign it.
has declined $265 while Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) enrollment has increased 24.8%. If our colleges receive a During these difficult economic times, more importance
reduction in state support, the schools could be forced has been placed on quality education and training. Our
to raise tuition, increase classroom enrollment, or reduce colleges are the institutions that are preparing Mississipclass offerings. In the past, our strength in these ar- pi citizens with 21st century job skills. We are prepareas have attracted students to community colleges. That ing our people and our state for greater prosperity than
could change because of funding. Our appropriations ever before, and to come out of the current recession
bills have not been adopted for FY 10. It is my hope the faster and stronger. Our community colleges are the
Legislature will consider these facts when the members best investment the state can make to move Mississippi
ahead economically.
reconvene to write the state’s budget.
Mississippi’s community colleges have experienced enrollment increases during this school year. Preliminary
numbers from fall 2008 show an increase of 8.2%
compared to the fall 2007 semester, and spring 2009
figures show a jump of 10.7% compared to the spring
2008 semester. We expect this enrollment trend to continue in the future.
www.mpe.org PAGE 19
3rd Annual Mel Buckley Scholarship Awarded
Joey Hutto with Ross & Yerger Insurance presented the 3rd Annual Mel Buckley/MPE Scholarship Award in April to
Maggie McFerrin, a Tupelo High School graduate who will attend the University of Missississippi in the fall.
Joey Hutto, Senior Vice President with Ross & Yerger Insurance, and the Tupelo
based CREATE Foundation established the $1,000 annual scholarship in 2007
as a tribute to Mel Buckley, MPE’s former Executive Director. The scholarship is
awarded to a Tupelo High School graduate who will be majoring in Education.
A committee selects the scholarship recipient after reviewing applicants’ written
answers to six questions regarding their decision to teach, as well as applicants’
high school activities, honors and transcripts.
A member of the National Honor Society and an ACT Scholar, Maggie has served
Tupelo High School as a member of the basketball team and track team. She is
a member of Future Educators of America and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Maggie’s classmates have chosen her as “class favorite” every year since she was
a freshman, and elected her Homecoming Queen in her senior year.
Automobile and Homeowners Insurance
* Exclusive group discount off auto and
home insurance rates
* Prompt claims service, 24 hours a day,
7 days a week
* Individualized service from
local representatives
* Rates guaranteed for 12 months
* Convenient Payment Plans
As a MPE member, you qualify for a special savings* on your auto, home, and renters insurance through
Group Savings Plus® from Liberty Mutual. With Group Savings Plus, you can enjoy the ease and convenience of paying your premiums through checking account deductions with no down payment or finance
charges. You’ll also enjoy fast, easy round-the-clock claims service and a variety of discounts including
multi-car, multi-policy, safe-driver, passive restraints and anti-theft device discounts*.
See for yourself how much money you could save with Liberty Mutual compared to your current insurance
provider. For a free, no-obligation quote, visit www.libertymutual.com/lm/mpe or call 1-800-524-9400.
Be sure to identify yourself as a MPE member, group # 113875
*Group discounts, other discounts, and credits are available where state laws and regulations allow, and may vary by state.
Certain discounts apply to specific coverages only. To the extent permitted by law, applicants are individually underwritten;
not all applicants may qualify. Coverage provided and underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and its affiliates,
175 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA.
PAGE 20 MPE Journal - Spring/Summer 2009
Mississippi Institutions
of Higher Learning
Dr. Lynn House
Assistant Commisioner of
Academic and Student Affairs
Student Performance Data Available
to Schools
•
Shows the total number of credit hours attempted as well as the average credit hours attempted in
each academic discipline;
•
Illustrates the relationship between high school
performance, as evidenced by ACT composite scores
and overall high school grade point averages, and postsecondary performance, as evidenced by credit hours
attempted, credit hours earned, and first semester college GPAs; and
•
Highlights academic performance (using GPA as
measure) in each academic discipline.
“Bailout” won honors as Merriam-Webster’s Word of the
Year for 2008, but those of us in education probably
cast our votes for “accountability.” As the economy sputters, and Mississippi families tighten their belts, parents
will hold us more and more accountable for the quality
of education we provide their children – and rightly so.
At the executive office of the Mississippi Institutions of
Higher Learning (IHL), we are making efforts to be more
accountable by collecting and making available data The Feedback Report is not intended as a report card
for our high schools. Rather, it is our hope that this data
about student performance.
proves useful for identifying areas of success and areas
For the second year, the IHL Office of Policy Research for improvement at both the high school and postsecand Planning has compiled the High School Feedback ondary levels.
Report, which is being made available to Mississippi
public and private high schools. The purpose of the re- A liaison at each public university has been designated
port is to provide detailed information about enrollment to answer questions about the report, and to work with
and academic performance of Mississippi high school high school superintendents, principals, teachers, and
students in the state’s public universities. We anticipate counselors to improve overall student performance. Secthat similar information about student performance at ondary school leaders are encouraged to contact the
the state’s community and junior colleges will be avail- university liaisons about any aspect of the report.
able soon.
By being accountable for the performance of our students, we can improve the quality of education at every
The feedback report:
• Shows those students who graduated from Mis- level and ensure that Mississippi graduates are presissippi high schools in 2007 and attended one of pared to compete in today’s marketplace.
the state’s public universities as entering freshman
Contact IHL Assistant Commissioner for Academic and
during the 2007-08 academic year;
•
Provides individual high school data as well as Student Affairs Dr. Lynn J. House at lhouse@mississippi.
edu or (601) 432-6501 for more information about the
state totals and averages;
High School Feedback Report.
•
Segments data by ethnicity and gender;
www.mpe.org PAGE 21
Absolute Intergrity.
Boundless Enthusiasm.
Consummate Quality.
This is a lot to ask from anyone, but you should anyway. And expect to receive it. Particularly from the
company you entrust with your risk management. Ross & Yerger has provided these ABC’s and much more
since 1860. Whatever you own that might encounter risk, we have a product with a plan to protect your
interests. You expect no less from us, and we intend to give you more as time goes by.
Special Accounts Division
Joey Hutto, Vice President
jhutto@rossandyerger.com
Jackson (601) 948-2900
Tupelo (662) 844-0222
(800) 844-5500
Some of our services: Workers Compensation - General & Auto Liability - Employee Benefits - 401K
Business Interruption - Errors & Omissions - Directors & Officers Liability - Group Life & Health
Life Insurance - Estate & Succession Planning - Homeowners - Personal Auto - Bonds
PAGE 22 MPE Journal - Spring/Summer 2009
MPE Recruitment Incentives
*10,000 members by 2010*
OHS staff would like to thank
you for your commitment to the implementation
of the Mississippi Healthy Students Act.
Five new members = year’s free membership
**6-9 new members = year’s free membership
+ $10 per additional member*
**10-14 members = year’s free membership
+ $15 per additional member*
**15 or more new members = year*s free
membership + $20 per additional member*
You will receive $5 per student member recruited.
Recruitment bonus checks will be awarded at the end
of each quarter, with the first quarter beginning July
1 and ending September 30. Credit will be given for
each new member who has joined or re-joined** between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010. Free memberships will be credited towards next year’s membership.
*credit given for each additional member after 5
** member must have previously been made
inactive for a period of at least three months
Fit, healthy, and ready to succeed!
The University of Mississippi
Institute for Education and Workforce Development
a partnership between the university of mississippi and the national center on education and the economy
The Institute for Education and Workforce Development is
Bringing the Best to Mississippi
InstructIonal leadershIp
InstructIon In core areas
InterventIon & safety nets
•
Instructional Coaching
•
Readers Advantage
•
Mathematics Navigator
•
Instructional Leadership
•
Elementary Literacy: Vocabulary
•
Literacy Navigator
•
ELL Institute
•
Writers Advantage
•
Ramp-Up Literacy
•
Science Institute
•
Teaching Key Math Concepts
•
Ramp-Up Mathematics
•
Students with Disabilities
Whole school reform
Ged preparatIon
call today 662.915.2707 or 601.701.8150
www.mpe.org PAGE 23
Why MPE?
The premier package of benefits for the least amount of money!
2008-2009 DUES
MPE
Professional with liability insurance
Couples with liability insurance
Non-certified or part-time with insurance
Student Teacher with insurance
Retired Educator without insurance
$120
$200
$60
$14
$10
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
$399* - 430*
-NA$140* - $212*
$10* - $21*
$10* - $60*
*Plus local dues
Professional liability protection of $2 million with $3 million maximum
(other organizations provide only $1 million with $3 million maximum)
$10,000 ($1,000 initially) in legal assistance for employment or professional matters
$10,000 in accidental death & dismemberment coverage (one organization provides up to $5,000 with
membership and another provides AD&D benefits to new members for one year with membership)
$2,500 assault related property damage (others provide $500 and $250)
Only organization to provide identity theft coverage with membership
Graduate & Undergraduate Scholarships awarded anually
Unlimited professional advice available 24 hours per day/7 days
per week (included with membership)
Every dollar of your dues stays in Mississippi for your benefit!
MPE does not utilize dues to support political candidates
mississippi professional educators
MPE Journal
629 N. Jefferson Street
Jackson, MS 39202
P.O. Box 22550
Jackson, MS 39225-2550
PAGE 24 MPE Journal - Spring/Summer 2009
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
MAILED FROM
ZIP CODE 39205
PERMIT NO. 682